LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she’s “cautiously optimistic” that the curve of coronavirus cases is starting to flatten.
On Monday, she held another press briefing along with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Jeff Donofrio updating the public on their main response to COVID-19.
At last reported on Monday, Michigan was at 25,635 positive cases and 1,602 deaths, but a chart showed that the number of cases could be slowing.
— “MYTH-BUSTING” FALSE INFORMATION —
Multiple times, the governor stressed that she understands the frustration that people are going through during this time.
“No one wants to move on to the next step more than I do…I’d much rather be working on fixing the damn roads,” said Whitmer.
She advocated for people to stop sharing false information. The governor clarified that nothing in the stay at home order prohibits anyone from buying car seats, bug spray, American flags, etc. She has also not banned homeschooling. More clarifications can be found in the state’s commonly asked questions section.
Governor Whitmer also addressed the many Michiganders who are mad about her stay at home order. “It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to be angry. If it make it better to direct it at me, that’s okay I have thick skin.”
— UNEMPLOYMENT IN MICHIGAN —
During the press briefing, LEO Director Jeff Donofrio discussed the unemployment struggles many Michiganders have been facing.
On Monday the Unemployment Insurance Agency website crashed due to high volumes. On Twitter the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity stated, “The UIA site is experiencing very heavy volumes this morning. We know newly eligible workers are eager to get benefits. To help everyone get through, please only file today if your last name begins with A-L and consider waiting until off peak hours 8PM-8AM to file.”
At last reported over one million Michiganders have filed for unemployment benefits. “We are committed to making sure that every eligible Michigander that needs unemployment benefits will get them,” said Donofrio.
More information on the latest updates to file for unemployment can be found here.
— MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE —
The state has also launched a new phone number where Michiganders struggling with their mental health during this crisis can call for support.
The number can connect people with peer support specialists who can assist with behavioral health issues, trauma, or personal crises and ease the worries of residents.
Michiganders can call 888-PEER-753, or 888-733-7753, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. for help.
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The latest information on the coronavirus crisis can always be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
